UK Minister for International Development, Jenny Chapman, arrived in Bangladesh on Thursday for a two-day visit focused on reaffirming the UK's support for Rohingya refugees and announcing new aid initiatives.

The minister's visit, spanning November 13-14, will include a trip to Cox’s Bazar. There, she will inspect UK-funded programs designed to support the refugee population, with a particular emphasis on assisting women and girls and preventing Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

This high-level visit follows the UK's recent announcement of a new £27 million aid package. The funding is designated for life-saving humanitarian assistance, set to benefit over half a million Rohingya refugees residing in camps in Bangladesh.

In her official statements, Minister Chapman emphasized the partnership between the two nations. “The UK is proud to stand with Bangladesh as a true partner. From supporting the Rohingya refugees being hosted by Bangladeshi communities, to tackling the climate crisis and irregular migration, our work together is delivering real and positive impacts for both our countries,” she said.

The UK's long-term position remains in support of the safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar once conditions are safe to do so.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Sarah Cooke, stated that the visit "underscores the UK’s commitment to a modern, mutually beneficial development partnership with Bangladesh."

During her visit, Minister Chapman is also scheduled to meet with senior officials, including Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, and BIDA Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury. Her agenda also includes a roundtable on UK-Bangladesh cooperation on irregular migration and the unveiling of a new British support fund to combat climate change effects in Bangladesh and other vulnerable countries.

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